Assessing the Roles of Local Government in Rural Development in Nigeria

Undoubtedly, rural areas in Nigeria are endowed with a wealth of human and material resources that are underutilised for rural development (RD). This paper assesses the roles of local government (LG) in RD in Nigeria. This is against the backdrop of the changing roles of public institutions and the challenges being faced from time to time. Furthermore, the roles of LG in RD have not been achieved in Nigeria because it is an ongoing process. Secondary source materials were used. The result of findings indicates that the roles of LG in RD include, among others, bringing government nearer to the people, serving as a vehicle for articulation and promotion of local interests, a medium to mobilise and harness local resources, engaging in economic planning, establishment and maintenance of social amenities, development of agriculture and establishment of local industries and cooperatives, control and regulatory activities, and provision of financial/credit facilities and technical assistance. Therefore, the paper concludes that LGs should continue to be empowered to perform their responsibilities to achieve growth, prosperity and development in the rural areas of Nigeria for the empowerment of rural dwellers